1 August, 2000
Importing or Bringing Medication into Japan for Personal Use
Inspection and Guidance Division,
Pharmaceutical and Medical Safety Bureau,
Ministry of Health and Welfare
- An importer of medication (drug, 'quasi-drug (Iyakubugaihin)', cosmetic or medical device) for business purposes needs a License from the Minister for Health and Welfare under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.
- There is no need for a License for individual's importing or bringing medication into Japan for personal use. An individual can import the following restricted quantities of medication without special procedures. Medication imported or brought into Japan for personal use must not be sold or given to others.
- Drug or 'Iyakubugaihin'(quasi-drug) : Up to 2 months' supply
- Cosmetic : Up to 24 pieces per item
- Medical Device (for home use only) : 1 set
- e.g.) Electric massager
Import Prohibited Drugs
- In accordance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), import of drugs including the following substances is prohibited.
- e.g.)
1. Rhinoceros horn
2. Musk
3. Tiger bones etc.
- Import of stimulants (Amfetamine and Metamfetamine) is prohibited.
Further Reference
- If you need to bring more than the restricted quantity of medication into Japan for personal use, or need further information, please contact the following office during business hours (Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 17: 45 JST)
- Inspection and Guidance Division, Pharmaceutical and Medical Safety Bureau, Ministry of
Health and Welfare
Phone : |
+81-3-[現在ご利用いただけません], ext. 2768 |
Fax : |
+81-3-3503-1043 |
- If you need to bring more than the restricted quantity of medication into Japan for personal use, and you plan to arrive at one of the following airports, please contact the appropriate Inspection and Guidance Division branch office:
- Nagoya International Airport (Nagoya office)
Phone : |
+81-52-661-4134 |
Fax : |
+81-52-661-4136 |
- Kansai International Airport (Kansai Airport office)
Phone : |
+81-724-55-1284 |
Fax : |
+81-724-55-1295 |
- Naha International Airport (Naha office)
Phone : |
+81-98-854-2584 |
Fax : |
+81-98-854-2584 |
- Regarding Narcotics, Psychotropic drugs etc., please contact the following office :
- Narcotics Division, Pharmaceutical and Medical Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Phone : |
+81-3-[現在ご利用いただけません], (ext. 2780 or 2784) |
Fax : |
+81-3-3501-0034 |
- Regarding CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)., please contact the following office :
- Import Division, International Trade Administration Bureau, Ministry of Iternational Trade and Industry
Phone : +81-3-3501-1660